The North Shore Trail follows the north shore of Lookout Point Reservoir. This trail is a recently completed section of the Eugene to Crest Trail, which stretches from east of Eugene to the Cascades. This project has been years in the making and is the result of a diligent, grassroots effort by local hiking and equestrian groups. Imagine riding your bike from your doorstep in Eugene and ending up at Waldo Lake, seldom touching pavement.
To find the west end of the trailhead, go east on Highway 58 from I-5. At milepost 13 turn north, crossing Dexter Reservoir into Lowell. Turn east on Main Street. You will pass the Lowell General Store, which is about 100 years old. The store is a good place to load up on supplies, like pioneers did before you.
The trailheads are well marked at each end of the trail. By starting the ride at the west trailhead, you will reduce driving time considerably. There is good parking at the Lookout Point Reservoir Dam. From the dam go east on Road 5821 to the trailhead at 0.8 miles.
The trail tends to get a little confusing at times. When in doubt stay close to the waterįs edge. At 4.2 miles the trail comes out onto the road. For 0.5 miles Road 5821 becomes the trail. Keep a close watch for the trail heading back into the woods on the right side of road. At 5.4 miles the trail becomes double-track; at this point stay left. This double-track lane comes to a large gravel pile; go downhill and around the yellow gate. Immediately after the gate, the trail continues to the left. At 6.9 miles the trail enters a well-travelled gravel lane; go right. Soon you will arrive at Ivan Oaks Campground. Perhaps a more appropriate name would be the Ivan Poison Oaks Campground. The trail hits a double-track lane at 7.8 miles; go left. The trail resumes on right. The trail ends at 8.5 miles back on Road 5821. Ride the road back to the car.
This ride is not physically demanding, but it is technical at times. There is very little elevation gain and the trail is wide in most places. Like all trails, however, there are short, steep sections and always rocks and roots to challenge you.
Keith Nelson
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